The Connecticut Sun is making a bold move in 2026, bringing WNBA action to Hartford—but is this a temporary celebration or a final farewell? Amid swirling rumors of relocation and an ongoing sale, the team has scheduled two home games at PeoplesBank Arena, leaving fans and critics alike wondering: Is this a last hurrah in Connecticut, or a strategic play to keep the team relevant?
The WNBA’s 2026 regular-season schedule, released this week, confirms the Sun will host the Los Angeles Sparks on May 30 at 6 p.m. and the Dallas Wings on July 2 at 8 p.m. in Hartford. And this is the part most people miss: Dallas’ roster includes former UConn star and 2025 WNBA Rookie of the Year Paige Bueckers, adding an extra layer of excitement for local fans. But here’s where it gets controversial—while Hartford celebrates these games, the team’s long-term future in Connecticut remains uncertain as the Mohegan Tribal Nation continues its sale process.
Back in December, the Hartford Business Journal first hinted at this development after Gov. Ned Lamont suggested the newly renovated arena could host “a couple” of Sun games. The 2026 schedule also includes a season opener against the New York Liberty in Brooklyn on May 8, followed by a home opener at Mohegan Sun Arena against the Seattle Storm on May 10. The Sun will play a total of 44 regular-season games, with a 17-day break in late August and early September for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup.
Notable matchups include a June 13 home game against the Indiana Fever and two back-to-back games against the Las Vegas Aces in mid-May. But here’s the twist: The Sun will also play a game in Boston, hosting the Sparks at TD Garden on August 18. Is this a sign of the team testing new markets, or just a one-off event? It’s hard to say.
Beyond 2026, the Sun’s future is anything but clear. Since being put up for sale last year, competing proposals have emerged, with some suggesting a relocation to a larger media market. Lamont himself admitted in December that his “instinct” points to the team moving to a “much bigger TV market,” even as Hartford secures these games. ESPN added fuel to the fire in mid-December, reporting that the ownership of the NBA’s Houston Rockets is in talks to purchase and potentially relocate the Sun—though no deal has been finalized.
So, what does this mean for Connecticut fans? Are these Hartford games a temporary gift, or a bittersweet goodbye? And should the WNBA prioritize larger markets over loyal fanbases? Let’s spark a debate: Is relocation inevitable for smaller-market teams, or can the Sun find a way to thrive in Connecticut? Share your thoughts below—we want to hear from you!
